MANILA, Philippines — Adamson University is a far different team this season from last year.
With Jema Gallanza the only veteran, the Lady Falcons were beaten left and right and were only able to muster a single win.
This year, they are tagged as contenders for a Final Four slot thanks to the return of Mylene Paat, Fen Emnas and the addition of Eli Soyud and Chiarra Permentilla.
But after their impressive wins over FEU and UP, Adamson crumbled against UST and Ateneo.
Head coach Air Padda said this can be attributed to the team's winning mentality and culture.
"You're dealing with a program who has been losing for so long, and I feel like sometimes they don't know know how to handle success," Padda told reporters after their 18-25, 25-14, 28-25, 25-15, 10-15 loss against Ateneo at the FilOil Flying-V Centre in San Juan, Wednesday.
The second-year head coach admitted that although they have the tools, they still lack the experience especially in pressure-packed situations.
"As soon as we experience an inconsistent play, or doubt, we just crumble," said Padda.
But Padda is confident that her wards will be able to find the winning mentality during the season.
"We know it's in there. We know we came back after the NU loss, we came back as a fighter," she said.
The Lady Falcons will next face defending champions De La Salle University on Saturday at the same venue.